Holidays during term time

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you about new government rules concerning Education Penalty Notice fines, effective from August 2024. These rules aim to reduce the number of school days missed due to unauthorised absences, particularly unauthorised term-time holidays.

Key Changes to the Penalty Notice Fines:

The fine for unauthorised school absences will be £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, increasing to £160 if paid within 28 days.
If a second fine is issued to the same parent for the same child within three years, the fine will be £160 per parent per child.
Each parent can be fined a maximum of twice within any three-year period. After reaching this limit, further actions such as a parenting order or prosecution may be considered.

If you wish to take your child out of school during term time, you must submit a written request to the Headmaster at least four weeks in advance, using the form provided. Please note that such requests are rarely authorised and only in exceptional circumstances. Routine family holidays do not qualify as exceptional circumstances according to both local and national government guidelines.

We understand the financial challenges families face when booking holidays during school breaks. However, the Local Authority strictly monitors school absences and will enforce compliance with government legislation. Parents and carers who take their child out of school without authorisation for 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 days or more) will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice fine from Stockport Authority.

To avoid fines and ensure your child's continuous education, we kindly ask you to schedule holidays during official school breaks.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

C Ormiston

Headteacher

Windlehurst School

Click HERE to access the Leave of Absence Request Form